Document Type

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects

Volume

1

Editor

Alex Koohang

Publisher

Informing Science Institute

Publication Date

2005

First Page

197

Last Page

216

Abstract

This article describes a professional development model and a set of tools intended to increase teachers’ capacity for the design of instructional activities using learning objects. It then reports preliminary findings from studies involving teachers (n=41) who participated in the professional development workshops based on the model. Findings suggest that participants saw many potential benefits of using online resources in support of teaching, including their convenience and currency. In terms of creating learning activities for their students, the most common use mentioned was for enrichment purposes. Analyses also showed that participants seemed to prefer to use small granularity resources. However, despite this enthusiasm, post-workshop usage was generally low. Participants also identified barriers in using online resources. These included lack of technology access and literacy, and difficulties in managing the overabundance of resources and their varying quality. Participants also mentioned the importance of accessing online resources for research purposes.

Comments

Originally published by Informing Science Institute. Publisher's PDF available through remote link. Must click on corresponding volume link.